The idea for a Home Owners’ Association was first conceived in the summer of 1959 when twenty-five prominent Spring Lake residents met to discuss the changing complexion of the Borough. After several meetings, this formidable group decided to create an organization designed to promote civic betterment and to maintain the residential nature of their beautiful seaside community. Accordingly, on October 15, 1959, The Spring Lake Home Owners’ Association was incorporated. Initially, the founders were the only members but, by the end of the season year, the organization had flourished and membership exceeded 300. In the early 1960’s, the expanding highway network brought a great number of visitors to the New Jersey seashore. The more convenient travel facilities induced many to relocate in Monmouth County and the influx of new residents was of special concern to the Association. Trustees felt that construction of multiple-dwellings, then under consideration, would undermine the Borough’s residential character so they made a vigorous effort to influence public sentiment against them. By that time, the new group had gathered significant support and their efforts to maintain high residential standards were eminently successful. During its formative years, the Association was very active and distinguished itself as a splendid medium for providing council to the governing body. For the next two decades, the organization continued to function but its degree of success varied in proportion to the efforts of succeeding Trustees. In the 1980’s, despite a prohibition in by-laws, the Association became highly politicized which had a chilling effect on the recruitment and a destructive impact on promotional activities. In recent years, Trustees have made a concerted effort to strengthen the organization, expand its scope of activities and revert back to goals the founders had envisioned. We are now involved in civic, social and charitable pursuits to improve the aesthetic beauty of the Borough and enhance the quality of life of its residents. We are completely apolitical and, to insure independent expression, elected officials and municipal employees are excluded from membership. One or more Trustees attend all Council and Planning Board meetings to ask questions, make suggestions and offer recommendations. These individuals report back at the next Board Meeting (3rd Wednesday of each month) at which time Officers and Trustees determine whether further action is appropriate. To provide for a better informed electorate, we sponsor an annual Candidate’s Night and invite those vying for office to express their views on pertinent campaign issues. We support local charities and have in place a Welcome Basket Program to help acclimate new homeowners. We favor a policy of preserving open space and oppose developers efforts to build homes on undersized lots. Moreover, we continue to provide en masse opposition to fragile attempts to invade the Zoning Code – a practice that will negatively impact the community and ultimately reduce property values throughout the Borough. We sponsor two self-sustaining social events each year – a Summer Dinner/Dance and a Winter Cocktail Party. Currently we have 5 Officers, 15 Trustees and a membership of 325. We have a number of interesting programs on the drawing board but are constrained by the amount of funds available. Since our only source of revenue is membership dues, we ask that you return the application form together with a check for $20 to cover 1998 dues. It’s a small price to pay for membership in an organization which exists solely to represent your interests. On behalf of the Officers and Trustees of the Spring Lake Home Owners’ Association, we extend to you our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Very truly yours, Robert J. Sherry